On Fri, 9 Feb 2007 12:20:50 -0800, "JT"
wrote:

I'm in the process of putting a tarpon rod/reel package together for a trip
to Belize.

I found a Scierra SL 10/12 Sal****er reel for $80.00, do any of you have
experience with this reel? I can't find much on the web about the reel, I
think it's an older Scierra model the shop is closing out.

I would also appreciate any suggestions for a fairly inexpensive rod that
would go with the reel. I have been looking at the TFO TiCr X Series in the
10 or 12 wt. Runs in the $250.00 range. Anyone have or used this rod?

Suggestions on a $350.00 to $400.00 package would be appreciated.

TIA,
JT

Buy the reel first, and then the rod within the budget. If 400.00USD is
the absolute budget, my recommendation would be a used, good-condition
fiberglass rod, and a real reel. I have 40ish year-old fiberglass rods
that have taken a fair share of tarpon, and did and still do with ease.
I have no experience with that particular reel, but as others have
pointed out, unless this is some 75-80% off the original price thing,
I'd be leery. In such fishing, it's pretty much the opposite of
smaller-quarry freshwater fishing in which the reel functions pretty
much only as a place to store the line (yes, I realize FW quarry can
make runs, but not like much of the SW quarry, regardless of relative
size) and the rod plays a key part in presentation. With tarpon, you
need a sturdy lever that can heave a heavy line and fly. "Presentation"
is getting the fly to the quarry - delicacy optional.

I am a big fan of the Tibor/Billy Pate reels, and they make a "Tarpon"
model, but that alone would bust or nearly bust your budget, even used.
If there is room for a, um, budget increase, that'd be what I'd
recommend, and TFO makes about as good a rod for the money as you'll
find, so you'd have an extra coupla-three-hundred in things above the
"budget" of 400. OTOH, the resale is fairly good, and so if you can
find one for 350-400USD, you'd likely be able to get all or most of your
money back if you wished to sell it after the trip.

And if by "package" you mean rod, reel, lines, terminal tackle, flies,
etc., frankly, you're gonna be _hard-pressed_ to get anything new,
except maybe the lines. It could be done, but it's gonna take some
willingness to shop hard and settle. If you wish some ideas on that
front, ask away.

TC and have fun,
R